Nebraska

From the restored depot and ticket office to the historic displays inside the mail car and other carriages, this is an attraction with something for the everyone. For railroad buffs its main appeal probably lies in the Union Pacific Challenger 3977, one of the largest steam locomotives ever built, but the fact that you're positively encouraged to climb aboard this and the other exhibits makes it a memorable experience and great fun even if you don't know one loco from the next.
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From the restored depot and ticket office to the historic displays inside the mail car and other carriages, this is an attraction with something for the everyone. For railroad buffs its main appeal probably lies in the Union Pacific Challenger 3977, one of the largest steam locomotives ever built, but the fact that you're positively encouraged to climb aboard this and the other exhibits makes it a memorable experience and great fun even if you don't know one loco from the next.
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The Archway is Nebraska's answer to the Gateway Arch in St Louis. The arch has lots of transportation history, and the grounds some interesting historical exhibits. A sod house, a mound house, a herd of wire bison and a maze for the kids. You can even feed the fish off the
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Hastings, Nebraska is the birthplace of Kool Aid, and the city's museum has a special exhibit detailing how the sweet drink went from the the idea of a Nebraska inventor into an iconic PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] international brand. The museum and city also celebrate the drink with the annual Kool Aid Days every August. [

If you go:Kool Aid: Discover the Dream is just one exhibit within the Hastings Museum, a museum which calls itself the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver.

Alongside the usual local treasures, this charming county museum is also home to the World War II Canteen, where refreshment was provided to the 6 million servicemen and women who passed through North Platte on U.S. military trains during the war. Out back, there's the extremely impressive Western Heritage Village: barns, cabins, school, church, store, blacksmith's shop and a barber shop - all restored to their original condition.
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Though it was in existence for only a brief time, the Pony Express is a vital part of the lore of the Old West. This station, one of about 165 that served the daring couriers who rode horseback along the route from St. Joseph to Sacramento, was originally located a few miles away, but was moved many years ago to Ehman Park in the heart of town and converted into a museum. It only takes a few minutes to view, but it's conveniently located and worth the effort if you have any interest in American history.
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The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway is a 270-mile route through the heart of Nebraska that takes in small towns, historic buildings and 4th or 5th generation ranches. The main attraction however is the Sandhills region itself, 20,000 square miles of gently undulating dunes, native grassland and diverse wildlife - including the Sandhill Cranes that descend on the Platte River in their hundreds of thousands every spring.
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This is probably a good replica of the Little House on the Prairie. If you've never seen a sod house, you're in for a shock. One room serves as living room, kitchen and bedroom. It is a perfect illustration of Laura Wilder's harsh prairie life, though there is no direct connection to her. There is a nice little gift shop and a hunter and bison made of wire out front for realism.
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